Chapter 10
As time passed, the weather chilled again, and the rain turned to snow, but guests continued to arrive. Slowly, Jane regained her calm and confidence and behaved like a true mistress on the arm of her beloved.
Lydia was her usual self: loud, careless, and barely tempered by Mrs Gardiner. Wickham, however, stayed near Mr Bennet and did little more than greet acquaintances briefly.
Gradually, Elizabeth’s spirits rose, and she found the confidence and peace to enjoy the evening. She had no chance to speak with Darcy, but she eagerly awaited the first set. Until then, she happily spent time talking to Charlotte, the two friends dearly missing each other.
“Dear Eliza, I cannot believe it has been seven months since I saw you.”
“Too long, my dear Charlotte. I am so pleased that you are here. I know it was not an easy journey in this weather. I must say you look beautiful. Marriage seems to suit you very well.”
“You might not believe it, but it does. Mr Collins is truly a good, attentive husband. I have no reason to complain, and I am content with my life, especially now that God has blessed me with a child.”
“I am happy to hear that, Charlotte—very happy. I hope you know that.”
“I do, my dear. And I also know I have to apologize to you. Mr Collins does not always make the wisest decisions on how to act or what to say, especially when Lady Catherine is involved.”
“There is no need for apologies, I assure you. All is forgotten, and you must remember I am not one to be influenced by such intervention.” Elizabeth laughed.
“True. I am happy to be here. Jane and Mr Bingley look lovely together. They will have a blissful marriage; anyone can see that.”
“I trust it will be so, Charlotte.”
“Mr Darcy looks very handsome,” Charlotte continued. “Even more handsome than last year when you were reluctant to dance with him. Do you remember what I told you then?”
Elizabeth felt herself blushing. “I do remember; you have always been wise and perceptive. And yes, all the gentlemen are handsome—just as they should be at a ball. Now let us speak about you: How are you feeling? When is your child due?”
Their conversation continued until Mr Collins approached, declaring he had missed his wife and wished to be sure of her comfort.
Then Lady Lucas sat near them, followed by Mrs Bennet, who repeated several times that never had there been a more beautiful young woman in Meryton than Jane nor a more elegant ball.
Elizabeth slowly moved away from a debate that threatened to become too animated for her taste. She walked around, pleased to see only contented and friendly faces. Even the guests from London entertained themselves quite well, making new acquaintances and showing easy manners.
Music introducing the first set silenced conversation and filled Elizabeth’s heart with joyful eagerness.
She stopped and glanced around, catching Darcy’s gaze from across the room.
He moved towards her, and with each step, her heart skipped a beat.
She had seen that look and the tentative smile that brought dimples to his handsome face.
Only this time, she knew their true meaning.
“…how ardently I admire and love you…”
“Miss Bennet…”
“Mr Darcy…”
“May I…?” He stretched his hand, and she put hers into his strong palm.
Hands entwined, they walked towards the dance floor and took their place behind Bingley and Jane. Absently, Elizabeth observed Colonel Fitzwilliam with Miss Godwin and a long row of pairs beyond.
From the sides, curious eyes watched them, but she cared for little except his closeness, his scent, and his strong yet gentle fingers exciting her through their gloves.
He never averted his eyes from hers but remained silent. The music brought them together and apart again, their hands and shoulders touching briefly.
“The evening began with a little distress; I hope it did not ruin your disposition, sir.”
“Not all, I assure you—at least, not now that we are dancing.”
A short pause, then: “I must say you handled the situation remarkably well, Miss Bennet.”
“Thank you, sir. I was afraid I overreacted. I am not always master of my words when I am angry.”
“I do recall that, but you are usually correct in your harshness.”
Another turn of the dance and modest smiles.
“You are too forgiving, sir.”
“Not at all, I assure you.”
Several turns and deep, wordless gazes.
The more time they spent together in the dance and the more his touch affected her, the more comfortable she became with his closeness and the more daring she became.
“Do you talk by rule while you are dancing, Mr Darcy?” she eventually asked, and a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He apparently remembered as well as she did.
“Not really. As you know, I rarely dance, and when I do, it is more an obligation—with two signification exceptions, one year apart.”
“That was an excellent reply and will do for the present. I must continue since I am the one with admittedly more experience in this area. Perhaps, by and by, I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones.”
“I agree. Especially the private balls hosted at Netherfield. Do you talk by rule while dancing, Miss Bennet?”
“I have no rules. It depends on my feelings and those of my partner.”
“And what do you intend to do in this case? Surely you know my feelings perfectly well by now.”
She felt her cheeks and neck flaming and smiled with all her heart. “I do indeed, sir. And therefore, little talking is needed—only to avoid boredom. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together.”
“I agree. I am glad to see a certain similarity in the turn of our minds, Miss Bennet.”
She made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her which season of the year was her favourite. She was taken by surprise and needed a little time to reply.
“I have no favourite; it depends on the company and the events that fate has prepared for me. This year, spring was less favoured than the others.”
She felt her eyes held by his when he responded. “I pray we can remedy that. Spring is beautiful beyond words at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth was so lost by his daring reply that she skipped a step and almost tangled the row of dancers as Mr Collins had done the previous year.
She clenched Darcy’s hand and quickly recovered, looking around in embarrassment.
From near the wall, her mother was casting reproachful glares—obviously displeased by her weak performance during the most important set of the ball.
Nearby, her father and Mr Gardiner hid their faces behind their wine glasses, but it was not difficult to guess their amusement. She returned her attention to her partner, who kept his smile.
“I imagine all the seasons are wonderful at Pemberley,” she said.
“They are; but even more, as you said, it is about the company and the events that fate prepares for one. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, is it not, Miss Bennet?”
“How could I dare disagree with you, Mr Darcy, since it is surely to my advantage?”
Darcy made no answer, nor did she expect one. They continued to dance with few words but much feeling until the two dances came to an unwelcome end. Walking towards her family gave Elizabeth the pleasure of holding hands with him for a few delicious moments until propriety demanded they separate.
Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner greeted Darcy joyfully while, from a far window, Wickham looked at them intently, remaining unmoved and alone with only his drink for company. Even his wife seemed to have forgotten about him.
“Indeed, sir, you have delighted us all with your superior dancing,” Mr Bennet said in jest, taking Darcy by surprise.
He sipped a little wine, glancing discreetly at Elizabeth while the eldest gentlemen continued.
“Especially Sir William and Mr Collins, who mentioned several times how evident it is that you belong to the first circles. However, I pride myself that your partner did not disgrace you. Also mentioned several times was the surprise of your opening the ball with Lizzy. But surely you knew that might happen.”
Darcy cleared his throat. “I am pleased that such inappropriate remarks amused you, Mr Bennet. I do not remember being complimented so much for my dancing in the past,” he answered in the same tone.
“If I danced well, it is surely due to my partner. And if you and Miss Elizabeth do not disapprove, I would be honoured to ask her for a second set.”
Talking to her aunt Gardiner with her back to the conversation, Elizabeth frowned.
“Well, well—you will have to ask her, as I do not intend to involve myself in dancing in any way. But I must say that I like your sharp mockery, Mr Darcy. I am pleased to discover more of your pleasant traits every day.”
“You flatter me, sir,” Darcy declared sternly. Mr Bennet did not withhold his laughter, nor did Mr Gardiner.
Elizabeth was filled with joy. He was in the company of her father and uncle, joking with them and daringly allowing himself to be teased and mocked.
And he wished to dance with her for a second set, showing his preference and his intention to everyone beyond any doubts. “Tomorrow” was closer and closer.
“Miss Bennet, how are you? Did I mention how remarkably well you look tonight?” Mr Godwin said, bowing to her.
“You did, sir.” She laughed. “But I enjoy hearing it nevertheless, as does any young lady.”
“And we have come to secure a set before your ball card is full,” the two Wilson brothers declared.
“Bingley has done an excellent job with this ball,” Adam Godwin added. “It has just started, and we are all exceedingly pleased that we attended.”
“Godwin, keep in mind that I shall shortly fetch Miss Bennet for the next set,” the colonel interjected while he politely kissed Miss Godwin’s hand. “After a most delightful first set, I consider myself fortunate to enjoy another one so soon.”